Static Magnetic Field Assisted Resistive Sense Element

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and associated method for writing data to a non-volatile memory cell, such as spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM). In accordance with some embodiments, a resistive sense element (RSE) has a heat assist region, magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ), and pinned region. When a first logical state is written to the MTJ with a spin polarized current, the pinned and heat assist regions each have a substantially zero net magnetic moment. When a second logical state is written to the MTJ with a static magnetic field, the pinned region has a substantially zero net magnetic moment and the heat assist region has a non-zero net magnetic moment.

BACKGROUND

Data storage devices generally operate to store and retrieve data in afast and efficient manner. Some storage devices utilize a semiconductorarray of solid-state memory cells to store individual bits of data. Suchmemory cells can be volatile or non-volatile. Volatile memory cellsgenerally retain data stored in memory only so long as operational powercontinues to be supplied to the device. Non-volatile memory cellsgenerally retain data stored in memory even in the absence of theapplication of operational power.

Resistive sense memory (RSM) cells can be configured to have differentelectrical resistances to store different logical states. The resistanceof the cells can be subsequently detected during a read operation byapplying a read current and sensing a signal in relation to a voltagedrop across the cell. Exemplary types of RSM cells include resistiverandom access memory (RRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), andspin-torque transfer random access memory (STTRAM or STRAM).

In these and other types of devices, it is often desirable to increaseperformance while decreasing power consumption, lowering switchingcurrents and decreasing design complexity.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed toan apparatus and associated method for writing data to a non-volatilememory cell, such as spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM).

In accordance with some embodiments, a resistive sense element (RSE) hasa heat assist region, magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ), and pinnedregion. When a first logical state is written to the MTJ with a spinpolarized current, the pinned and heat assist regions each have asubstantially zero net magnetic moment. When a second logical state iswritten to the MTJ with a static magnetic field, the pinned region has asubstantially zero net magnetic moment and the heat assist region has anon-zero net magnetic moment.

In accordance with other embodiments, a resistive sense element (RSE)having a heat assist region, magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ), andpinned region is provided. A first logical state is then written to theMTJ with a spin polarized current while the pinned and heat assistregions each have a zero net magnetic moment. A second logical state isthen written to the MTJ with a static magnetic field while the pinnedregion has a zero net magnetic moment and the heat assist region isactivated to produce a non-zero net magnetic moment.

These and various other features and advantages which characterize thevarious embodiments of the present invention can be understood in viewof the following detailed discussion in view of the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a functional block representation of a datastorage device.

FIG. 2 generally illustrates a functional block representation of a unitcell.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates a structure of the memory cell of FIG. 2constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 displays an exemplary resistive sense element constructed andoperated in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary resistive sense element constructed andoperated in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative exemplary resistive sense elementconstructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 displays an alternative exemplary resistive sense elementconstructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 generally illustrates an exemplary operation of a resistive senseelement in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 provides an exemplary operation of a resistive sense element inaccordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 displays an exemplary array of resistive sense elementsconstructed and operation in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for uni-polar write operation generallyillustrative of steps carried out in accordance with various embodimentsof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 provides a functional block representation of a data storagedevice 100 constructed and operated in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention. The device 100 includes a toplevel controller (CPU) 102, an interface (I/F) circuit 104 and anon-volatile data storage array 106. The I/F circuit 104 operates underthe direction of the controller 102 to transfer data between the array106 and a host device.

FIG. 2 displays functional block representations of a unit cell 110construction that can be used in the array 106 of FIG. 1. The unit cell110 has a resistive sense element (RSE) 112 connected in series with aswitching device 114. The switching device 114 functions to increase theresistance of the unit cell 110 when in an open position, as shown, soas to effectively prevent current from passing through the cell. Aclosed position allows read and write currents through the unit cell110.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary RSE construction at 120. The RSE 120 isconfigured as a spin torque-transfer random access memory (STRAM) cellthat includes a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) 122 formed from twoferromagnetic layers 124, 126 separated by a barrier layer 128 (such asmagnesium oxide, MgO). The resistance of the MTJ 122 is determined inrelation to the relative magnetization directions of the ferromagneticlayers 124, 126: when the magnetization is in the same direction(parallel), the MTJ is in the low resistance state (R_(L)); when themagnetization is in opposite directions (anti-parallel), the MTJ is inthe high resistance state (R_(H)).

The magnetization direction of the reference layer 126 is fixed bycoupling the reference layer to a pinned magnetization layer (e.g., apermanent magnet, etc.). The magnetization direction of the free layer124 can be changed by passing a driving current polarized bymagnetization in the reference layer 126.

To read the logic state stored by the MTJ 122, a relatively smallcurrent is passed through the MTJ between a source line (SL) and a bitline (BL). Because of the difference between the low and highresistances of the MTJ in the respective logical 0 and 1 states, thevoltage at the bit line will be different, which can be sensed using asuitable sense amplifier. A switching device 130 allows selective accessto the MTJ 122 during read and write operations. The switching device130 can be characterized as a metal oxide semiconductor field effecttransistor (MOSFET). A word line (WL) is connected to a gate terminal ofthe transistor 130, as shown.

While operable, unit cells such as represented in FIGS. 2-3 can havedisadvantages, such as asymmetric write current characteristics. Forexample, a greater write driver effort may be required to set the RSE120 in FIG. 3 to the anti-parallel high resistance state (hardprogramming direction) than to set the RSE to the parallel lowresistance state (easy programming direction). The relative ordering ofthe RSE and the switching device within the unit cell with respect tothe direction of write current flow can also contribute to suchasymmetric write characteristics.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention are generallydirected to a novel memory cell structure with improved writecharacteristics. As explained below, the memory cell structure includesa resistive sense element (RSE) having a heat assist region, a magnetictunneling junction (MTJ), and a pinned region. The pinned and heatassist regions each have a substantially zero net magnetic moment whilea first logical state is written to the MTJ with a spin polarizedcurrent.

Further, the pinned region has a substantially zero net magnetic momentand the heat assist region has a non-zero net magnetic moment when asecond logical state is written to the MTJ with a static magnetic field.Both logical states are written with unipolar write currents that passin the same direction through the memory cell.

FIG. 4 provides an exemplary construction for an RSE 140 capable ofbeing used in the unit cell 110 of FIG. 2 in accordance with variousembodiments. The RSE 140 is characterized by a magnetic tunnelingjunction 142 that comprises a free layer 144 as well as a first andsecond barrier layer 146 and 148. In some embodiments, the free layer144 is a ferromagnetic material capable of maintaining a magneticpolarity, and the first and second barrier layers 146, 148 are oxidebarrier layers. The first and second oxide layers 146 and 148 can beconstructed of various materials and are not limited to oxides. That is,a barrier material other than an oxide can be utilized in the magnetictunneling junction 142 to shield the free layer 144 from unwantedmagnetic pulses.

Further, the magnetic tunneling junction 142 of the RSE 140 is disposedbetween a heat assist layer 150 and a pinned layer 152. The heat assistlayer 150 has the capability of storing a magnetic polarity with amoment in either of two opposing directions. Meanwhile, the pinned layer152 has a magnetic polarity with a moment in a single direction. In someembodiments, the magnetic moment of the pinned layer 152 opposes themagnetic moment of the heat assist layer 150 in order to provide a netzero magnetic moment on the magnetic tunneling junction 142.

In addition, a switching device 154 is also connected to the RSE 140 toallow selection of the RSE 140, as desired. It can be appreciated thatthe position of the switching device in relation to the RSE 140 is notlimiting and can vary without deterring from the spirit of the presentinvention.

It should be noted that the heat assist layer 150 has a zero netmagnetic moment, in some embodiments, at a first temperature whilehaving a non-zero net magnetic moment at an elevated second temperature.As shown in FIG. 4, the heat assist layer 150 can be a singleferromagnetic material such as, but not limited to, rareearth-transition metals and their alloys such as TbCoFe. However,multiple heat assist layers 150 can be used in combination to form aheat assist region, illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary construction for an RSE 160 in accordance withthe various embodiments of the present invention. A magnetic tunnelingjunction 162 with a free layer 164 as well as a first and second oxidelayer 166 and 168 is shown disposed between a pinned region 170 and aheat assist region 172. The pinned region 170 comprises a first andsecond pinned layer 174 and 176 connected by an oxide layer 178. Thepinned layers 176 and 178 are configured to have opposing magneticmoments in order to provide a zero net magnetic moment to the magnetictunneling junction 162.

However, the use of an oxide material to separate the pinned layers 176and 178 is not required as any desired spacing material can be usedwithout deterring from the spirit of the present invention. Likewise,the specific magnetic orientation of the first and second pinned layers176 and 178 is not limited and can be any variety of configurations thatproduce a zero net magnetic moment. One skilled in the art canappreciate that the position of a switching device 184 is adjacent tothe heat assist region 172, but can be located adjacent the pinnedregion 170 without detrimental effect to the spirit of the presentinvention.

As discussed above, the heat assist region 172 comprises multiple heatassist layers 180 and 182 configured to provide a zero net magneticmoment to the magnetic tunneling junction 162 at a first temperature.Much like the pinned region 170, the heat assist layers 180 and 182 havemagnetic orientations that produce opposing magnetic moments. A barrier,oxide, or similar layer 184 is disposed between the heat assist layers180 and 182 to separate the magnetic moments.

As such, the RSE 160 has a zero net magnetic moment due to the balancingmagnetic moments of both the pinned layers 176 and 174 as well as theheat assist layers 180 and 182. Once the free layer 164 holds a magneticpolarity, a resistance state of the RSE 160 will be present and allow alogical state to be read. It should be noted that the multiple heatassist layers can be constructed with synthetic ferri-magnetic materialto which one layer has a Curie temperature that is higher than the otherheat assist layer. Hence, at a predetermined temperature, the magneticmoments of the heat assist layers 180 and 182 as well as the heat assistregion 172 can be manipulated with temperature, as desired.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the RSE 160 of FIG. 5 is generally illustrated inalternative constructions that conform to various embodiments of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic moment of each ofthe heat assist layers 180 and 182 as well as the heat assist region 172is perpendicular with the magnetic moment of the magnetic tunnelingjunction 162 and pinned region 170. This configuration still provides azero net magnetic moment to the magnetic tunneling junction at a firsttemperature while greatly reducing the amount of current required towrite a logical state to the free layer 164 at a second temperature.

In contrast, the magnetic tunneling junction 162 and pinned region 170can be configured to have perpendicular anisotropy in relation to theheat assist region 172, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Despite aperpendicular anisotropy, the net magnetic moment experienced by themagnetic tunneling junction 162 remains zero until a second temperatureactivates the heat assist region 172 to produce a non-zero net magneticmoment.

It should be noted that the magnetic orientations of each of the regionsof the RSE 160 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 are not limiting. For example,the magnetic tunneling junction 162 can be configured to haveperpendicular anisotropy while the pinned region 170 has a magneticmoment perpendicular to the heat assist region 172 that has in-planemagnetization.

One issue that has been found with STRAM cells (as well as with othertypes of RSE cells) relates to the minimal achievable sizing of the celltransistor. Generally, it is desirable to ensure that the celltransistor is configured to be large enough to be able to accommodatethe requisite write current densities and gate control voltagesnecessary to carry out write operations without incurring damage to thecell transistor. At the same time, since the transistor can often be thelimiting factor in cell scalability, reducing the size of the transistorcan promote increases in the overall density of the memory array.

A related matter is write current asymmetry. STRAM cells are oftenconfigured such that write currents are passed in different directionsthrough the cell in order to write the different logical states. Thiscan also be true for other types of RSE cells. For example, applicationof a write current in a first direction may set the resistance of thecell low, thereby signifying a first logical state (e.g., logical 0).Application of a write current in the opposite second direction may setthe resistance of the cell high, thereby signifying the opposite logicalstate (e.g., logical 1).

Depending on the configuration of the cell, it may be harder to writethe cell in one direction as compared to the other. A number of factorscan contribute to such asymmetry. One factor relates to the relativeordering of the magnetic tunneling junction and switching deviceelements with respect to the direction of the applied write current;that is, whether the write current passes through the magnetic tunnelingjunction first, or passes through the switching device first. Otherfactors can relate to the configuration and ordering of layers withinthe magnetic tunneling junction (or other variable resistive element).

For the exemplary RSE 160 of FIG. 5, it is contemplated that it will berelatively easy to write the state of the magnetic tunneling junction162 when the current is passed in a direction such that the writecurrent encounters the magnetic tunneling junction 162 prior to theswitching device 184 (this direction is referred to as the “easy”direction). Contrawise, it is contemplated that it will be moredifficult to write in the opposite direction when the write currentpasses through the transistor (drain-source juncture) prior toencountering the magnetic tunneling junction (this direction is referredto as the “hard” direction).

Accordingly, as explained below, various embodiments of the presentinvention utilize a novel structure and technique to facilitate thewriting of various logical states to an RSE with a uni-directional anduni-polar current and a static magnetic field. The use of a singlecurrent, polarity, and direction for a RSE allows for complete avoidanceof both RSE and unit cell write current asymmetry. Meanwhile, the use ofa static magnetic field to write a logical state to the RSE providesadvantageous power consumption in combination with improved reliabilityof data storage due to increased unit cell degradation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8 and 9, which provide an exemplaryoperation of the RSE 160 of FIG. 5. In FIG. 8, the RSE 160 is depictedas a variable resistor in series with the switching element (transistor)184. The bit line is positioned adjacent the pinned region 170 while theswitching device 184 and source line are adjacent the heat assist region172. It should be noted that the heat assist region 172 is shown at afirst temperature to which a zero net magnetic moment is produced.

As a write current 190 flows from the bit lined to the pinned region170, the RSE 160 has a zero net magnetic moment due the balancedmagnetic moments of both the pinned and heat assist regions 170 and 172.In some embodiments, the write current 190 is spin polarized as itpasses through the RSE 160 to set the magnetic orientation of the freelayer 164 of the magnetic tunneling junction 162 to a first polarity.The set plurality has an associated resistance for the RSE 160 thatcorresponds to a predetermined logical state. After the write current190 has passed through the RSE 160, switching device 184, and sourceline the RSE 160 experiences a general magnetic moment from the freelayer 164 because the magnetic moments of the heat assist region 172 andpinned region 170 remain balanced with respect to magnetic moment.

In order to write a second logical state to the RSE 160, FIG. 9 depictsa static magnetic field 192 generation and function. When it is desiredto write a second logical state to the RSE 160, the heat assist region172 is heated to a second temperature in which one of the heat assistlayers 180 or 182 has a modified magnetic moment. The lack of balancingmagnetic moments in the heat assist region 172 produces a non-zero netmagnetic moment and a static magnetic field strong enough to switch thepolarity of the free layer 164 of the magnetic tunneling junction 162 tothe second logical state.

It should be noted that the pinned region 170 remains balanced with azero net magnetic moment during the generation and utilization of thestatic magnetic field 192. The zero net magnetic moment of the pinnedregion 170 allows the static field to change the magnetic polarity ofthe free layer 164 with less intensity than would be required if amagnetic moment of the pinned region 170 would need to be compensated.

Consequently, the net zero magnetic moment of the various regions of theRSE 160 allows improved reliability, performance, and power consumption.The use of a single uni-polar and uni-directional write current greatlyreduces the complexity often required to compensate for write currentasymmetry. Meanwhile, the use of a static magnetic field providesprecision and low power consumption that cannot be realized withbi-directional write currents.

It should further be noted that the manner in which the heat assistregion 172 reaches a second temperature is not limited. That is, variouscomponents or procedures can be utilized to elevate the temperature ofthe heat assist region 172 and generate a static magnetic field.Furthermore, the elevation of temperature of the heat assist region 172does not require the passing of a current through the entire RSE 160.For example, the heat assist region 172 can be heated independent of themagnetic tunneling junction 162 and pinned region 170. Thus, control andmanipulation of the heat assist region 172 can be facilitated in variousmanners that generate a non-zero net magnetic moment and an associatedstatic magnetic field.

It can be appreciated that using a bi-directional write current to writea logical state to a resistive sense element has numerous disadvantagessuch as high power consumption, reduced reliability, and complex writecurrent asymmetry compensation circuitry. Indeed, the use ofbi-directional write current provides more disadvantages than advantagesconsidering the imprecision and inconsistency of passing write currentthrough a resistive sense element in opposing directions.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention generallyoperate to provide a precise and reliable resistive sense element thathas specific regions that have a substantially zero net magnetic momentduring a uni-polar and uni-directional write current, but have anon-zero net magnetic moment when a static magnetic field is used towrite a logical state to the resistive sense element. The use of astatic magnetic field instead of a write current passing through theresistive sense element in the opposing direction provides greaterperformance while reducing power consumption.

An exemplary embodiment is set forth by FIG. 10 to explain the foregoingfeatures and advantages. FIG. 10 illustrates an array 200 of resistivesense elements as set forth by FIGS. 5-9 arranged into a semiconductorarray. More specifically, FIG. 10 illustrates three STRAM cells denoted202A-202C, each having an associated switching device (transistor)204A-C. The switching devices are each connected and controlled by wordlines 206 that are capable of selecting a particular one, or many,resistive sense elements, as desired.

It will be appreciated that the array can be extended to have anynumbers of columns and rows of such cells, so the simplified 2×2 arrayin FIG. 7 is merely for purposes of illustration and is not limiting.The various directions of the word, bit and source lines across thearray are also merely exemplary and can be oriented as desired. Each ofthe resistive sense elements 202A-C also is connected to a heat assistline 208 that is coupled to a multiplexer 210. The heat assist lines 208allow the heat assist region of the resistive sense element to be heatedfrom a first temperature to a second temperature without having to passa current through the entire resistive sense element.

However, the configuration of the heat assist lines 208 is not limitingas one heat assist line 208 could be connected to any number ofresistive sense elements. Likewise, the number and orientation of themultiplexer 210 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 10.For example, a multiplexer 210 could be implemented for each row orcolumn of resistive sense elements.

During operation, the array 200 can provide voltages to each, or all, ofthe resistive sense elements 202A-C from a driver 212. The driver 212produces voltages that travel, in some embodiments, through the bit line214 to a predetermined number of resistive sense elements 202A-C thathave been selected by having the word line 206 operate a gate on eachdesired switching device 204A-C. After passing through the resistivesense element, voltage can pass through a source line 216 to a ground218.

It should be noted that due to the static magnetic field writingcapability of the resistive sense elements 202A-C, a second voltagedriver capable of passing current through the resistive sense elementsin the opposing direction (from source line to bit line) is not needed.However, the configuration of the driver 212 being positioned on the bitline 214 is not limiting as the position of the driver 212 and ground218 can be inverted without deterring from the spirit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 provides a flow chart for an uni-directional write operation230, generally illustrative of steps carried out in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present invention. At step 232, a resistivesense element (RSE) is provided that has at least a heat assist region,pinned region, and magnetic tunneling junction. A first logical state iswritten to the RSE at step 234 with a spin polarized current. In someembodiments, the heat assist region is at a first temperature to which asubstantially zero net magnetic moment is produced. Likewise, the pinnedregion is characterized during step 234 as having a zero net magneticmoment.

Subsequently, the heat assist region of the RSE is activated at step 236to provide a non-zero net magnetic moment and generate a static magneticfield. In step 238, the static magnetic field migrates to the magnetictunneling junction of the RSE to write a second logical state to theRSE. The routine then ends at step 240.

The various steps of the uni-directional write operation 230 are notlimiting as steps can be omitted or repeated any number of times. Thatis, a first logical state could be written to an RSE repeatedly withoutever writing a second logical state, or vice versa.

Although various embodiments set forth above generally identify the hardand easy directions based on the relative sequential ordering of aresistive sense element and a switching device of a cell, such is notnecessarily limiting. Rather, it is contemplated that various memorycell constructions may alternatively have an “easy” and a “hard”direction based on some other feature of the cell. It will be understoodthat the various embodiments disclosed herein are equally suitable forthese other types of memory cells in obtaining read current symmetrywithout compromising cell reliability.

As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the various embodimentsillustrated herein provide advantageous writing of data to a resistivesense element in a fast and reliable manner. The ability to writevarious resistance states with a single uni-directional write currentallows for consistent data writing without elevated power consumption.The use of a static magnetic field to write a logical state to aresistive sense element vastly improves the efficiency and complexity ofany electronic data storage device. Moreover, the dynamic nature of thestatic magnetic field write provides increased performance with respectto write current driving ability. However, it will be appreciated thatthe various embodiments discussed herein have numerous potentialapplications and are not limited to a certain field of electronic mediaor type of data storage devices.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments of the invention, thisdetailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made indetail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of partswithin the principles of the present invention to the full extentindicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which theappended claims are expressed.

1. An apparatus comprising a resistive sense element (RSE) having a heat assist region, magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ), and pinned region, wherein the pinned and heat assist regions each have a substantially zero net magnetic moment while a first logical state is written to the MTJ with a spin polarized current, and further wherein the pinned region has a substantially zero net magnetic moment and the heat assist region has a non-zero net magnetic moment when a second logical state is written to the MTJ with a static magnetic field.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pinned region comprises a plurality of fixed magnetic layers configured in an anti-parallel orientation.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pinned and heat assist regions each have a substantially zero net magnetic moment during a read operation.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spin polarized current passes through the RSE in a single direction.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the spin polarized current passes through a switching device after the RSE.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat assist region comprises at least a first synthetic ferri-magnetic layer and a second synthetic ferri-magnetic layer.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first synthetic ferri-magnetic layer has a lower Curie temperature than the second synthetic ferri-magnetic layer of the RSE.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat assist region has a substantially zero net magnetic moment at a first temperature and a non-zero net magnetic moment at a second temperature.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat assist region is activated by current induced heat.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat assist region has an out-of-plane anisotropy in relation to the MTJ and pinned regions.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat assisted region comprises a single ferri-magnetic layer comprising a rare earth transition metal.
 12. An apparatus comprising a resistive sense element (RSE) having a heat assist region, a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ), and a pinned region, wherein the pinned and heat assist regions each have a substantially zero net magnetic moment while a first logical state is written to the MTJ with a spin polarized current, wherein the pinned region has a substantially zero net magnetic moment and the heat assist region has a non-zero net magnetic moment when a second logical state is written to the MTJ with a static magnetic field, wherein the pinned region comprises a plurality of fixed magnetic layers configured in an anti-parallel orientation, and wherein the heat assist region comprises at least a first synthetic ferri-magnetic layer.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a first barrier layer between first and second synthetic ferri-magnetic layers; a second barrier layer between the heat assist region and the pinned region; a third barrier layer between the MTJ and the pinned region; and a fourth barrier layer between a first pinned layer and a second pinned layer.
 14. A method comprising: providing a resistive sense element (RSE) having a heat assist region, a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ), and a pinned region; writing a first logical state to the MTJ with a spin polarized current while the pinned and heat assist regions each have a zero net magnetic moment; and writing a second logical state to the MTJ with a static magnetic field while the pinned region has a zero net magnetic moment and the heat assist region is activated to produce a non-zero net magnetic moment.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the pinned region comprises a plurality of fixed magnetic layers configured in an anti-parallel orientation.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the pinned and heat assist regions each have a substantially zero net magnetic moment during a read operation.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein any spin polarized current passes through the RSE in a single direction.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the heat assist region comprises a plurality of synthetic ferri-magnetic layers.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the heat assist region has a substantially zero net magnetic moment at a first temperature and a non-zero net magnetic moment at a second temperature.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the net magnetic moment of the heat assist region is orthogonal to the MTJ. 